Some patients travel more than two hours to visit Wright Parkway Dental Center (WPDC) in Fort Walton Beach. Dr. Susan Welch, DDS, FAGO, has created a welcoming environment where questions are encouraged, open discussions are valued, and laughter and upbeat music help patients feel comfortable, relaxed and at home.

As a holistic dental practice, Welch and her team pride themselves on being able to offer a personal and compassionate experience, whether it is for routine preventive care, a dental emergency or comprehensive procedures.

(left to right) Amber Durbin, DA , Melissa Faulkner, CRDH, Practice Manager, Crissy Black , CRDH and Dr. Susan Welch ,DDS, FAGA, D.ABDSM

Welch’s shift toward holistic dentistry began with curiosity and an openness to learning, growing and building on what she already knew. After practicing in the U.S. Air Force for nearly 7 years, she purchased WPDC in 2004. Learning from holistic practitioners prompted her to explore a broader view of oral health and question traditional treatment approaches. She became fascinated by the connection of mouth health to body health and, by 2011, she began transitioning her practice to holistic care.

“You have to unlearn to relearn,” she said in a 2019 interview with Natural Awakenings. “You have a responsibility, in gaining knowledge, to then apply it.” Due to the holistic methods Welch learned, WPDC uses digital imaging, instead of higher radiation X-rays, and utilizes materials that are mercury free, BPA free, fluoride free and the most biocompatible, to ensure that the path to oral health is congruous with body health.

Every Mouth has a Body

At WPDC, care begins with a conversation. New patients have time to share their concerns, health history and goals before a thorough oral evaluation. The team uses photographs and other findings to explain what they see, helping patients understand their options and participate in decisions about their care.

Because Welch and her team take a holistic approach, they consider the connection between oral health and overall well-being. Understanding each patient’s health history, including conditions such as diabetes and autoimmune disease, help guide individualized care. Microscopic screening for oral pathogens also helps the WPDC team identify microorganisms that may contribute to oral health concerns and potentially affect other areas of the body, including the heart, gut, lungs and brain.

The structure of the mouth plays an important role in the growth and development of the face and jaw. Tethered oral tissues can contribute to improper jaw development, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and dysfunction and airway restrictions. Through her holistic approach to dentistry, Welch looks beyond the symptoms to identify underlying factors that may contribute to dental and supporting structure concerns. She also offers a variety of therapies to address jaw dysfunction and pain.

Utilizing a holistic dentistry approach can enhance a patient’s quality of life in many ways while also preserving their teeth. “Dentistry should evolve as more is learned about how the mouth, muscles, airway and the rest of the body work together and affect each other,” says Welch. “The mouth is the window to the body.”

Comfort is Crucial

According to Cleveland Clinic, about 36 percent of people in the U.S. fear dental treatment. At WPDC, a patient’s comfort is always paramount—Welch ensures a patient’s comfort with jaw support, heat compresses during procedures and breaks if necessary.

WPDC also offers ozone, which can help arrest the progression of tooth decay, target bacteria in the gums (reducing inflammation) and stimulate healing.

Anxious patients can choose to receive Alpha-Stimulation during appointments. The FDA-approved device involves small ear clips that stimulate specific brain regions, promoting a calm “alpha wave” state and relaxation without sedation.

“At the heart of everything we do is a simple philosophy: Treat people the way you would want to be treated,” says Welch. “With Servant Hearts, we consider it a privilege to care for our patients, and we are grateful for the trust they place in us.”

For more information, see WrightParkway DentalCenter.com, call 850-243-1534 or email [email protected].